Sweet Potato Pie by Kathleen D. Lindsey tells the story of Sadie’s family’s struggle to save the family farm. With a theme of family strength, teamwork, and creative problem solving, this story makes the reader invest in the tale with assistance from illustrator Charlotte Riley-Webb.
Written in African American Vernacular English, the story follows Sadie and her family as they try to save the family farm. The only viable crop is their sweet potatoes after a long drought. The bank is about to repossess the farm and only Mama’s special sweet potato pies can save them. The whole family comes together to produce and promote the pies at the harvest celebration in town. Sadie’s creative problem solving is crucial in jumping the last hurdle before the finish line. The author generously included the recipes for the sweet potato pie and the flaky piecrust in the back of the book. With such mouthwatering descriptions, the reader is definitely grateful for the opportunity to make Mama’s sweet potato pies too.
The illustrations are colorful and flowing. Colors weave like fabric and capture the true essence of the story. Riley-Webb is free with her brush and color palette as she continues the energy of the story into the art.
Great review! Makes me want the book! It sounds like this book would be helpful in building a multicultural supply of books for the classroom. This book allows Young African American students to see themselves in this book. I love the use of AAVE because students need to hear the language they hear at home when learning. This might also lend itself to teaching about economics or farming.
ReplyDeleteThis is the kind of book that teachers should use to introduce or reinforce the concept of multiculturalism among their students. But I do wonder if some students may find AAVE to be too confusing.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point, Paolo. I wonder...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story with multiculturalism that involves a young child so students can relate! This story includes so much from which to bounce of discussions: farming, language, culture, and problem solving... sounds like a winner to me!
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